IN PHOTOS: Playoff excitement builds outside Bell Centre ahead of Canadiens-Sabres Game 6

“I know the Habs are going to win tonight,” said a Montreal Canadiens fan outside the Bell Centre ahead of Game 6, where Montreal can clinch the series against the Buffalo Sabres. Adriana Gentile reports.

By Adriana Gentile

Posted May 16, 2026 5:35 pm.

Last Updated May 16, 2026 6:40 pm.

The playoff atmosphere around the Bell Centre was already in full swing hours before puck drop Saturday, as Canadiens fans flooded downtown Montreal ahead of Game 6 against the Buffalo Sabres.

Supporters wearing red, white and blue gathered throughout the afternoon along Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montréal to take part in pregame festivities, wave flags and cheer on the team as excitement continued to build.

Large crowds formed outside the arena as fans looked to rally behind the Canadiens, who will have a chance to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Puck drop is set for 8 p.m. on Citytv and SportsNet.

A Montreal Canadiens fan stands outside the Bell Centre ahead of Game 6 between the Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
A Montreal Canadiens fan stands outside the Bell Centre ahead of Game 6 between the Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
Montreal Canadiens fans gather outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
A bunny wearing a Montreal Canadiens jersey seen outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
A Montreal Canadiens fan gets a tattoo outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
Montreal Canadiens fans gather outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
Montreal Canadiens fans gather outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
Montreal Canadiens fans gather outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
A Montreal Canadiens fan stands outside the Bell Centre ahead of Game 6 between the Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
Montreal Canadiens fans gather outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
Montreal Canadiens fans gather outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
Montreal Canadiens fans gather outside the Bell Centre ahead of Saturday night’s Game 6 matchup against the Buffalo Sabres in Montreal on May 16, 2026. (Adriana Gentile, CityNews)
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